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      in Motorsport

      Mark Flaherty dead – Four-time UK champion rally driver found dead aged 59 in ‘catastrophic’ tragedy

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      A CHAMPION rally car driver was found dead after a battle with depression, an inquest heard.Mark Flaherty, 59, a four-time British champion in the 90s, died in “catastrophic” circumstances on New Year’s Day, a coroner said.
      Rally car driver Mark Flaherty, pictured in 2020 at Lydden Hill Circuit, was found dead on New Year’s DayCredit: Rex
      The 59-year-old, seen here before a test drive in 2021, was a four-time British championCredit: Rex
      The ace had driven his black Land Rover defender to the Oracle shopping centre car park in Reading on January 1.
      Cops later found the motor “neatly and properly parked” with its interior “neat and in good condition”, the coroner said yesterday.
      Detective Constable Nicole Jury said Mr Flaherty parked up and took a lift to the seventh floor of the town centre building.
      The rally legend visited a spot but appeared to change his mind, before heading to a nearby All Bar One for a whiskey and water.
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      He then sat in the outdoor seating area to finish the drinks and smoked a few cigarettes, Reading Coroners’ Court heard.
      Mr Flaherty of Ascot, Berks., returned to the top of the car park and was later found dead by “highly distressed” members of the public.
      Ian Wade KC, Assistant Coroner for Berkshire, said: “There was, of course, nothing anyone could have done.”
      RALLY TRAGEDY
      Mr Flaherty was recorded as having depression in 2000 and diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder in 2008, the court heard.
      Most read in Motorsport
      At a mental health assessment on January 17 last year, Mr Flaherty had “expressed regret over wrong decisions in life, described himself as being horrible and narcissistic, spoke of his plans to live in Spain, expressed desire to have therapy to address his various problems and his feelings of guilt.”
      He had a history of suicidal thoughts and alcohol problems, mental health nurse Godfrey Karambakuwa said.
      Mr Flaherty discharged himself from the Wokingham mental health services on February 2 last year.
      Mr Karambakuwa added: “At the time of discharge, he was going through a divorce that he reported finding stressful, though he decided that he no longer needed support.”
      The coroner concluded that Mr Flaherty had died from suicide and said what he did was “carefully thought out and deliberate”.
      He added: “There is evidence to suggest Mark was struggling with his mental health and had been for many years.
      “This action of projecting himself over the top floor of a very tall building, knowing that he would descend rapidly and calamitously, striking a hard, immovable object – there was only one outcome that was either likely or contemplated.”
      Mr Flaherty started rally racing at the age of 18 before moving into rallycross three years later.
      He made a name for himself in the 90s racing a rear-wheel drive, two-litre MKII Escort before stepping up to Supercar with the iconic Group B MG Metro 6R4.
      Mr Flaherty won two Lydden Hill Championships in 1991 and 1992, and a British Rallycross Driver of the Year award in the latter.
      These accolades were followed by two British Championship event wins the following year.
      Mr Flaherty went on to become British Rallycross Drivers Association (BDRA) champion twice.
      Read More on The Sun
      He returned to racing in the 2010s after a hiatus.
      The racer will be remembered as a legend by fans after his passing, with one writing: “Thank you for the passion of rally.”
      You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

      CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
      Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
      Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
      Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
      Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
      Movember, www.uk.movember.com
      Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm More

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      in Soccer

      Mason Greenwood gets £8k-a-month luxury villa and a translator as Man Utd foot the bill for his fresh start in Spain

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      MASON GREENWOOD will attempt to rebuild his shattered career from a luxury Spanish villa paid for by Manchester United.The controversial striker sealed a season-long loan deal to LaLiga side Getafe after agreeing to resume his playing days away from Old Trafford.
      Mason Greenwood has left Man Utd on loanCredit: Reuters
      The controversial striker sealed a season-long loan deal to LaLiga side GetafeCredit: @GetafeCFen / Twitter
      Greenwood will have access to a private translator 24/7Credit: Twitter
      Man Utd will pay more than half of Greenwood’s £75,000-a-week wagesCredit: Getty
      United confirmed last month he would not play for the club again after a six-month internal investigation into rape and assault charges that were dropped.
      Greenwood, 21, had been suspended by the Red Devils since his arrest in January 2022.
      But the Old Trafford outfit remain heavily involved — and worked round the clock to create a bespoke care package ahead of his deadline day move to the Madrid-based club.
      It includes an £8,000-a-month, six- bedroom city villa close to his new club’s training ground and access to a private translator 24/7.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Family and friends will be flown out regularly to keep him company. His dad, Andrew, 53, who oversaw his private training sessions as United decided his fate, is likely to move with him.
      Greenwood has told pals that he is determined to repay the faith shown in him by scoring a glut of goals and has not given up on a Red Devils return.
      A source said: “He’s going on loan but remains a United player.
      “It means the club has an ongoing duty of care to him and they’ve pledged to help him make a success of his move to Spain.
      Most read in Football
      “The villa is big enough for friends and family to visit. They will get the opportunity to travel to see him as much as they can.
      “It’s important he has a solid support network around him. The last thing they want is Mason isolated.”
      It is understood United will pay more than half of his £75,000-a-week wages while he is in Spain.
      Another source said Greenwood is raring to go. They added: “He’s happy he’s got himself a club in LaLiga and can finally begin to put the last two years behind him.
      “He wants to concentrate on football and becoming the best version of himself — on and off the field. He’s looking forward to playing against Barcelona and Real Madrid. He’s going to show everyone that he’s changed and that he’s matured. He knows it’ll be a long road but it starts here.”
      In a statement Erik ten Hag’s club said the move would “enable Greenwood to begin to rebuild his career away from United”.
      It vowed: “The club will continue to offer its support to Mason and his family during this period of transition.”
      Greenwood, who has one England cap, was suspended by United after his arrest for sexual violence.
      The club will continue to offer its support to Mason and his family during this period of transitionMan Utd statement
      He was later charged with attempted rape and sexual assault but the case against him was discontinued by prosecutors in February.
      United said he would remain suspended on full pay while it conducted an internal investigation into his alleged behaviour.
      The decision to part ways was announced after five months of intense discussions and a huge backlash against plans to bring him back into the fold.
      In a statement the club said it did not believe Greenwood had committed the offences he was accused of and allegations did not give “the full picture”. But they admitted the striker had “made mistakes” and needed to take responsibility.
      United added: “Throughout, we have taken into account the wishes of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values.”
      They added “it has been mutually agreed” that Greenwood would find a new club.
      But Old Trafford CEO Richard Arnold said United would continue to offer the player and his alleged victim support to help them “rebuild and move forward”.
      Greenwood, who became a dad to a baby girl in July, admitted he needed to set a better example to become “a good father, a better person and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch”.
      Read More on The Sun
      Academy graduate Greenwood scored 35 goals in 129 matches for United.
      His last appearance was against West Ham on January 22, 2022.
      Greenwood had been suspended by the Red Devils since his arrest in January 2022Credit: EPA More

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      in Soccer

      Spain’s women won the World Cup, then a man managed to ruin everything

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      WHAT kind of twisted world are we living in when the victim of a clear case of sexual harassment, witnessed by millions, has to go into hiding?Meanwhile, the guilty man struts his stuff on the world stage, refusing to accept he has done anything wrong.
      It is awful Jenni Hermoso has been forced into hiding, through no fault of her ownCredit: AP
      There is something obscene about “kiss-gate” Spanish football ace Jenni Hermoso feeling so overwhelmed she has to retreat from public view.
      The World Cup-winning striker has come under sustained attack because the career of Spain’s FA President Luis Rubiales is now on the line thanks to his own sexist stupidity.
      Hermoso’s crime? Having the temerity to confirm what we could all see: The kiss Rubiales planted on her lips, while yanking her head towards him in a vice-like grip, was not consensual.
      But never mind the evidence. From the get-go, Rubiales has strenuously denied any wrongdoing, claiming she consented and whining that he is the victim of a “social assassination” by “false feminists”.
      READ MORE KARREN BRADY
      So that includes the Fifa bosses, who suspended him for 90 days, the prosecutors investigating him and members of the Spanish women’s team and its coaching staff — bar the deeply unpopular head coach Jorge Vilda — some of whom have resigned in protest?
      DEPRESSING STANDARD
      Leaving aside Rubiales’s family — and even they are divided — only the overwhelmingly male Spanish football federation continues to back him, circling the wagons to protect their own, as is so often the case when a man is under attack for bad behaviour towards a woman.
      Instead of stopping him from trying to gaslight Hermoso, they too questioned her account and threatened her with legal action for lying.
      Set aside for a moment that the kiss was filmed from almost every angle and witnessed around the world.
      Most read in Football
      Hermoso herself has stated there was no consent, that it was an “impulse-driven, sexist, out-of-place act”, and that she was put under “continuous pressure” to exonerate Rubiales.
      The whole world witnessed Rubiales plant a big kiss on Hermoso, seemingly without her invitationCredit: Pixel8000
      Why would she lie? It was clear from the outset that by telling the truth she was making herself a target for every macho misogynist in football.
      And there’s no shortage of those. Why would she consent to a kiss from a middle-aged man who had just been filmed grabbing his crotch while standing near Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter Infanta Sofia?
      Also, when did this consent take place? Did he get it from Hermoso in writing before the match?
      It certainly didn’t appear to be under discussion in the heat of the moment before he firmly planted his lips on hers.
      So far, so depressingly standard. It’s a lesson in why women often don’t report sexual harassment or abuse.
      They know that what happens next will probably make things much, much worse.
      Unfortunately for Rubiales and his buddies in the Spanish football federation, Hermoso and her teammates are made of sterner stuff than most victims.
      Hermoso has steadfastly stuck by her story. In a show of solidarity, 23 players of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad, as well as 32 other squad members, insist they will not play for their country again while Rubiales remains in post.
      And when the Spanish FA tried to pressure the team’s backroom staff into supporting their boss, they resigned too.
      Sarina Wiegman has even dedicated her Uefa Coach of the Year award to the Spanish team that pipped her England Women’s team in the final, saying they “deserve to be celebrated and listened to”.
      She’s right. The real story here is Spain’s brilliant performance in the World Cup.
      And that is why Jenni Hermoso did not complain instantly about that kiss.
      She had no desire to take the shine off her teammates’ triumph.
      Which is more than can be said for Rubiales, a sad, posturing, middle-aged mummy’s boy, who is putting his own survival above his country’s glory. Time to kiss him goodbye.
      Teens plan is a winner
      National Service proposals are a clever way for teenagers to give back to their communityCredit: The Mega Agency
      THOSE getting in a tizz about plans for a new National Service scheme, championed by Penny Mordaunt, need to calm down.
      It’s not about square-bashing or uniform drills. It’s purely a plan for every 16-year-old to take part in a two-week “civic exploration” trip, which will see them travel away from home to do voluntary work.
      Then they would build on what they have achieved by doing more volunteering in their own community. It wouldn’t even be compulsory.
      Teenagers would have the ability to opt out before they are assigned to a programme.
      I can’t think of a better idea to boost the confidence and self-worth of the UK’s young people, many of whom are still struggling after Covid lockdowns and are preoccupied with social media.
      The Commons leader said last week it would foster “goodwill and community spirit, energy and imagination” and promote “good mental health and resilience”.
      I’m 100 per cent behind her. We should expect more of our young people.
      By showing them how to give something back to their world, we can equip them to play a fulfilling part in it.
      Plane sense
      SOME parents are worried that the Turkish airline Corendon’s plan to launch adults-only sections on its flights will catch on.
      The company promises passengers “a shielded environment” that will contribute “to a calm and relaxed flight”.
      I suspect the mums and dads complaining about this are exactly the sort who ignore their children while they scream non-stop, kick the back of other passengers’ seats and run up and down the aisle while harassed cabin crew try not to run them down with the drinks trolley.
      Why is this controversial? If people want to pay more to avoid putting up with that, then let them. Sounds like a good business decision to me.
      Amanda turns the other cheek
      Amanda Holden had the perfect response to taunts from Andrew TateCredit: Instagram
      THERE is something undeniably satisfying about crafting the perfect response.
      So hats off to Amanda Holden, who managed to resist putting Andrew Tate in his place.
      When the controversial influencer claimed she was too old to pose in a bikini – er, as if – the BGT judge came close to hitting back with a racy picture.
      “I had another shot of me in a bikini with just a close-up of my bum and I was tempted to post it with the caption, ‘Kiss my 52-year-old a***’,” Amanda said.
      “But you just know something like that’s going to go on and on – and in the end, why give him the oxygen?”
      Too right. This failed reality TV star, who is to stand trial on allegations of human trafficking, does not need any more publicity.
      Better to leave him festering in his sad little bunker – or, if guilty, in jail.
      Get ’em in dock
      Cowardly criminals like Lucy Letby will no longer be allowed to skip their own sentencingCredit: PA
      AT last, convicted criminals will be forced to attend sentencing hearings.
      And those who still resist the “reasonable force” permitted by the new law could get an extra two years’ jail time added to their sentences.
      If you commit a crime as vile as child killers like nurse Lucy Letby or gunman Thomas Cashman, you should be forced to face up to the consequences – and left in no doubt about what the world thinks of you.
      Daddy dodge
      THE study that revealed it takes first-time dads two years to feel happy in their relationships again after the birth of their child made me think.
      I don’t doubt that it is hard for men to see their lives completely change overnight.
      Read More on The Sun
      They have to cope with sleepless nights, a grumpy, exhausted partner and hardly any social life. It’s tough.
      But just factor in hormone overload, sore nipples and a body you no longer recognise, and count yourself lucky. More

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      in Soccer

      Lazio reveal reason Mason Greenwood deal fell through ‘at last minute’ – blaming Man Utd for failed loan offer

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      LAZIO have revealed the real reason their Mason Greenwood deal fell through at the last minute.Yesterday it was revealed that the striker, 21, had been thrown a last-ditch lifeline by top European club Lazio.
      Mason Greenwood has not played a match until January 2022Credit: Getty
      La Liga club Getafe completed a last-minute loan deal for the striker
      However, Greenwood then signed with Spain’s Getafe on loan just minutes before the transfer window closed.
      Greenwood, who was tipped to be the next big thing by Sir Alex Ferguson, has not played competitive football since January last year. 
      He was arrested and charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, before the case was dropped by the CPS in February. 
      Greenwood had hoped for a return to United but was axed earlier this month following mounting pressure from fans. 
      Now Lazio have claimed that Manchester United are to blame for them missing out on Greenwood.
      Lazio’s president, Claudio Lotito, claims he was keen to join the Serie A club but United did not sign the paperwork in time.
      Lotito told La Lazio Siamo Noi: “I tried until the last minute”.
      Greenwood “mutually agreed” to leave United on August 21 following backlash over his potential return to the squad after his arrest for attempted rape and sexual assault.
      Most read in Sport
      He was charged in October last year but all charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
      Greenwood has not kicked a ball for Utd since January 2022 when he was suspended and it was decided this month that it would be best for all if his future was away from Old Trafford. 
      Following Greenwood’s recent signing for Madrid-based club Getafe, United said in a statement: “Mason Greenwood has signed for La Liga side Getafe CF on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance.
      “The move enables Greenwood to begin to rebuild his career away from Manchester United. 
      “The club will continue to offer its support to Mason and his family during this period of transition.”
      Getafe announced the move with a video of fans wildly celebrating outside the club’s Coliseum Alfonso Perez stadium.
      They began jumping and chanting when the deal was confirmed.
      Greenwood’s last match for United was in the 1-0 Premier League win over West Ham on January 22 last year.  More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd face worst-case scenario with Mason Greenwood set to stay when deadline passes today & no Saudi clubs interested

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      MANCHESTER United are facing a worst-case scenario if the transfer window deadline passes without a spot for Mason Greenwood.The Old Trafford club cut ties with the 21-year-old striker last week after being suspended following his arrest in January last year.
      Greenwood playing for United in February 2021Credit: Reuters
      Greenwood’s last hope of a return to football remains abroadCredit: Reuters
      Greenwood had reportedly been set to be welcomed back into the fold before SunSport exclusively reported United had made a U-turn due to the volatile reaction.
      Other English clubs are said to similarly fear a public backlash if they were to provide Greenwood with a return to the pitch.
      The transfer window deadline will pass for English clubs at 11pm tonight, with initial inquiries from domestic teams not followed up.
      Failure to offload the £75,000-a-week Greenwood will leave United facing a bill of up to £8million.
      Read more football
      This is because he still has two years left to run on his contract, with the club having the option to extend it by a further 12 months.
      Instead, the striker has been left with no alternative but to move to an overseas club.
      And if United cannot also mutually agree on cancelling Greenwood’s deal, his options are slim.
      This is because most of Europe’s top leagues also shut their transfer windows on Friday.
      Most read in Football
      The Scottish deadline passes at midnight, while it is 4pm in Germany and 6pm in Italy.
      Clubs in Spain and France will no longer be able to sign players from 11pm and 10pm respectively.
      It was reported this morning that Greenwood had been thrown a last-ditch lifeline by top European club Lazio – but the Italian deadline passed at 7pm.
      There have also been no inquiries from Saudi Arabia, where teams have already hoovered up Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema this season.
      The deadline in Saudi Arabia passes on September 7.
      One of his last remaining hopes would lie with Besiktas, who are understood to be one of two Turkish clubs interested in opening the door for his return.
      There is no rush to get a deal done by the time the UK transfer window closes at 11pm on Friday because the Turkish deadline is not until September 15.
      Fans in football-mad Turkey are unlikely to be put off by the allegations made against Greenwood if he recreates his United form on the pitch, according to Besiktas supporter Orunc Kamiloglu.
      The fan added: “He hasn’t been convicted of any crime so why should it make a difference.
      “If he plays well in the black and white jersey, the fans will love him and take him to their hearts.”
      Greenwood “mutually agreed” to leave United on August 21 following backlash over his potential return to the squad after his arrest for attempted rape and sexual assault.
      He was charged in October last year but all charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
      Read More on The Sun
      In a statement United said they “recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career” at the club.
      They said his exit was the “most appropriate” result from the saga, adding: “We will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”
      Greenwood pictured leaving Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court on November 21 last yearCredit: Getty More

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      LaLiga strugglers ‘enter race to sign Mason Greenwood as ex-Man Utd striker also approached by Italian giants Lazio’

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      MASON GREENWOOD is being targeted by Turkish side Getafe.Greenwood “mutually agreed” to leave United on August 21 following backlash over his potential return to the squad after he was charged for attempted rape and sexual assault.
      Getafe have become the latest club to register an interest in signing Mason GreenwoodCredit: PA
      Lazio in Italy and Turkey’s Besiktas are reportedly considering an approach for the striker.
      And now according to the Daily Mail, Getafe are interested in bringing Greenwood to Spain on a short-term deal as they struggle in 11th.
      The ex-England international was charged in October last year but the case was dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
      Greenwood has not kicked a ball professionally since January 2022 when he was suspended.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      And it was decided that it would be best for all if his future was away from Old Trafford. 
      If United cannot find him a club they may be faced with paying up his £75,000 a week contract.
      That still has two years left to run with the option of a further 12 months had the club wanted to take it up.
      That would mean a pay off of nearly £8million.
      Most read in Football
      Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Lazio were given the opportunity to sign Greenwood before the British transfer deadline day closes.
      It comes after Turkish giants Besiktas were linked with an approach for the forward on a loan deal.
      Another Turkish club is also understood to be interested, and Turkey might be a more realistic destination as the Süper Lig transfer window deadline is not until September 15.
      Greenwood ‘mutually agreed’ to leave United in AugustCredit: EPA More

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      Man, 23, charged over Raheem Sterling burglary after England star’s home broken into while he was at World Cup

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      A MAN has been charged with burglary after Raheem Sterling’s home was broken into while he was on England duty at the World Cup.The Chelsea star, 28, had his property in Oxshott, Surrey, raided in December 2022.
      The England star had his property in Oxshott, Surrey, raided in December 2022Credit: Getty
      Sterling raced back from Qatar to be with fiancee Paige Milian and his kids
      Sterling was forced to race back from Qatar to be with his family following the horror.
      Watches worth £300,000 and jewellery pieces were taken.
      Cops have now charged Emiliano Krosi, 23, of Southend-on-Sea, Essex, with 33 offences of conspiracy to commit burglary.
      He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Guildford Crown Court on September 21.
      READ MORE ON STERLING
      Sterling’s terrified fiancée Paige Milian, 27, was looking after their two kids when she raised the alarm.
      It’s understood no one was home at the time but police were alerted to missing items as soon as the occupants returned.
      Surrey Police believe the gang thought Paige and the kids were still in the Middle East supporting the footballer – but they had actually returned shortly before. More

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      Everton fan Michael Jones was crushed to death between beam and machinery while building new stadium, inquest hears

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      EVERTON fan Michael Jones was crushed to death between a beam and machinery while building the club’s new stadium, an inquest heard.Michael, 26, was working as a ventilation engineer when he suffered head injuries on the construction site of Bramley Moore Dock in Liverpool, Merseyside.
      Michael Jones.was crushed to death while building the new stadium, an inquest heardCredit: SWNS
      Construction of Everton’s new stadium at Bramley Moore DockCredit: Getty
      He was rushed to Aintree Hospital after the horror incident but sadly could not be saved.
      Michael, who was wearing a hard hat, had been working on a scissor ladder when he was caught between a beam and the machinery, the inquest was told.
      A fellow worker noticed a lift had stopped working and raised the alarm after climbing on the top to release it, reports The Athletic.
      Coroner Andrew Rebello, said he was waiting for the results of a full post-mortem.
      Read More in Football
      A “complex and technical investigation” is said to be underway involving the Health and Safety Executive.
      Michael was a loyal Everton supporter and his middle name Goodison was chosen after the current ground.
      Michael’s heartbroken family paid emotional tribute to him and said he was “so happy” to be working on his club’s new stadium.
      In a statement on the Everton website, his sister, Gemma Leary, said: “Michael was the baby, a boy after three daughters.
      Most read in Football
      “He was adored by everyone and he loved spending time with his dad watching Everton.”
      Sean Dyche, Everton’s manager, is among the people who have laid flowers at a floral tribute outside the stadium, where construction work has now resumed. 
      Everton FC held a minute’s applause in Michael’s memory when the team played against Wolves on the weekend.
      The club have also committed to consulting with Michael’s family and stadium builders Laing O’Rourke for a lasting tribute.
      The inquest was opened without his family being in attendance and adjourned until February 29 next year.
      A full hearing will be held at an unspecified date to determine the exact cause of death and the events that led to it. More